Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual meeting of the Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association (SHMHA) was held at Jefferson State College on Saturday, November 21, 2015. Approximately 52 members were present. David Ivey, President, called the meeting to order at 2:45 pm. David welcomed the assembly and introduced all of the Board members present (Judy Caudle, Sam Sommers, Henry Johnson, Vice President, Lauren Bock, Jeannette DePoy, Secretary, thanking them for their support this year.

Judy Caudle provided a report for the “Directory and Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings” (Minutes Book) project. The total expenses for the project in 2015 were $9,788.00. The Minutes Book deposits for 2015 were $10,314.00. Judy stated that the printing and shipping costs for 2015 are presently estimated to be $8,306.00. Judy stated that 275 singings have submitted minutes, including the two sessions of Camp Fasola. This included 233 one-day singings, 41 two-day conventions, and 1 three-day convention. About a third of the singings have requested not to receive Minutes Books next year. Each year this number has gradually increased by a few. Judy plans to order fewer books this year, with delivery estimated for January 12, 2016. The fees for the minutes books will stay the same. David reminded those present that anyone who is sick and shut-in can receive a free copy mailed to them.

David praised Lauren’s attractive logo for the organization.

David provided and reviewed an information sheet that summarized 2015 activities and the 2014 financial summary. He stated that SHMHA, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, files an IRS Form 990 report annually. David reported that SHMHA has received funding from the Alabama Council for the Arts for the thirteenth year. David expressed gratitude to the Sacred Harp Publishing Company for its continued financial support ($6,000) of Camp Fasola in 2015. The Publishing Company voted in October to continue its financial support in the amount of $6,500 in 2016.

David reported that a complete independent external audit of 2013 was completed by the firm Roddy, Horsley, Dillon and Gault, CPA, and that SHMHA had obtained useful information from the auditors about ways to enhance our bookkeeping and financial information and to make our organization more efficient.

David stated that SHMHA now has subaccounts for the National Convention, the United Convention, State Line, the Alabama State Convention and the Young People’s Convention.

David reported that SHMHA completed its thirteenth year of Camp Fasola operation. Twenty-three camps have been held since 2003. SHMHA has offered both Youth and Adult Camps for the past seven years. Three sessions of Camp Fasola were held in 2012 and 2014. 2015 Adult Camp enrollment was 70 attendees, a slight decrease from 2014. Youth Camp enrollment was 141 attendees which is an increase from 2014. The camp dates for 2016 are: Adult Session—June 12-16, 2016 and Youth Session—July 4-8, 2015 and Europe Session—Sept. 19-23, 2016. The cost of camp will remain at $450 for ages 30 and over and $250 for ages 29 and younger at Adult Camp, and $400 for ages 30 and older and $200 for ages 29 and under at both Youth Camp. Pricing has not been finalized for Camp Europe. David stated that he is indebted to all those who have volunteered their time, service and money to SHMHA. He thanked Eugene Forbes for his support of camp through many years. Richard Mauldin commented on the remarkable growth of Sacred Harp through the world since Camp Fasola began. David stated that camp helps to plant seeds and that these new singers help our singers. Camp Fasola is fortunate to have so many smart, talented teachers now.

Jeannette DePoy, Camp Registrar, shared that 85% of campers rated their overall camp experience as “Excellent.” Campers rated the teachers as “Excellent.” For the first time this year, we asked the scholarship campers to write a brief paragraph about what camp has meant to them. Jeannette read a few of these beautiful testimonials to the membership. Thirty-six people were granted scholarships, up from twenty-three last year. A total of $7,350.00 in scholarship monies was given.

There being no further business, David Ivey adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m. The meeting was dismissed with prayer offered by Sam Sommers.

SHMHA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated in Alabama whose purpose is the perpetuation and preservation of Sacred Harp singing and its traditions. SHMHA publishes the Directory and Minutes of Sacred Harp Singing, operates Camp Fasola, sponsors the fasola.org website, and supports other activities related to Sacred Harp.

President—David Ivey; Vice President—Henry Johnson; Secretary—Jeannette DePoy